Updated maps: Ohio shale prospects trending west

Revised maps produced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources show promising shale prospects in Hancock, Hardin, Wyandot and Seneca counties in the region between Mansfield and Lima (LY'-muh).

State geologists posted the revised maps on the agency website after reviewing information from 100 new locations.

The new maps support earlier indications that eastern Ohio -- including Stark, Carroll and Tuscarawas (tus-kuh-RAW'-uhs) counties from Canton south -- should be a hot spot for oil and liquid natural-gas production.

A map released last year indicated there might be fair to good production in parts of Marion, Delaware and Union counties north and northwest of Columbus.